School environment full of viruses

Dear Dr. Gott: My 24-year-old grandson is a physical education instructor and coach in a middle school. He is in top shape and good health except that he suffers from repeated upper-respiratory infections and we are afraid that his immune system may be deficient. What can he do to strengthen his immunity?

Dear Reader: I doubt that your grandson’s immunity is as much a problem as is his constant exposure to various viruses in a school environment. Youngsters with infectious diseases are not always as careful as they should be about covering their noses and mouths when sneezing or breathing in closed environments, and they may be careless about washing their hands. Consequently, the adults who are in close contact with them are often repeatedly exposed to a wide array of viruses to which they are susceptible.

This is a universal phenomenon. Children in day care bring home infections to their parents; and teachers — especially new ones — seem to be prone to cyclic ailments, usually colds and other trivial but annoying illnesses.

Your grandson should certainly have a medical check-up and blood tests if there is real concern about his immune system. However, I predict that he will pass with flying colors. Over time, your grandson’s susceptibility should wane as his system successfully becomes strengthened by repeated viral exposure. Of course, he can reduce the likelihood of becoming sick by frequent hand washing and attention to basic prevention techniques during his contact with the children.

Dear Dr. Gott: For the past two years, my daughter, 53, has suffered from cyclic bouts of extreme pain and pressure in the lower rectum. The spasms last anywhere from five minutes to two hours. Nothing relieves them. She has had a normal colonoscopy. Her doctor diagnosed her with proctalgia and said nothing can be done. Your opinion, please.

Dear Reader: The cause of proctalgia fugax is unknown. Aside from the obvious problem of discomfort, the condition is entirely benign and will not lead to any serious health consequences.

Although treatment for the basic muscle spasm — using heat, massage and muscle-relaxing medication — is often effective, surgery or electric stimulation to the rectum may be necessary.

I urge your daughter to request a referral to a colorectal specialist with whom she can devise an appropriate strategy to achieve relief.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Managing Chronic Pain.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.